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Tottenham could receive a helping hand from Andre Villas-Boas in Samu Aghehowa deal

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The latest reports from Portugal reveal how much Tottenham Hotspur have to pay to sign Porto star Samu Aghehowa in January.

Over the last few weeks, Spurs Web has relayed several reports stating that Spurs are keeping an eye on Aghehowa, who is continuing to bang goals in with astonishing regularity at Porto this season.

According to some sources, Fabio Paratici will spearhead Tottenham’s pursuit of the Porto man, with the new Spurs sporting director thought to be a big fan of the Spaniard.

Spurs have now been told exactly what they need to do to get a deal for the 21-year-old over the line in the upcoming transfer window.

What is Porto’s valuation of Tottenham target Samu Aghehowa?

According to the print edition of Correio da Manha (as relayed by Sport Witness), Tottenham and Chelsea are the two clubs currently ‘in the lead’ in the race for the Spain international.

The outlet reveals that although Aghehowa’s release clause stands at €100m (£88.1m), Porto president André Villas-Boas, who previously managed Spurs, is willing to sell the striker for a cheaper fee.

This is because the Portuguese club are in a difficult financial position and needs to raise cash through player sales in January.

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The report alleges that Porto are ready to sell the former Atletico Madrid man for €80m (£70.4m), which would represent a club-record signing for the Lilywhites.

How much are Spurs willing to pay for Aghehowa?

A couple of days ago, a report in Fichajes suggested that Thomas Frank’s men see Porto star as a medium to long-term investment, and believe that he will be a good fit for the Premier League.

That report claimed that Tottenham are willing €70m (£61.6m) for Aghehowa in January, which falls short of what Correio da Manha believe to be Porto’s valuation.

If that is true, the big question is whether the two clubs can bridge the approximate £9m gap in their respective valuations of the striker.

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Five things we learned from Tottenham’s 4-0 Champions League win against Copenhagen

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Tottenham Hotspur secured a 4-0 win at home against Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday night as Thomas Frank’s side moved into the automatic qualification spots.

Let’s take a look at the five things we learned:

Tottenham really needed that positive and creative performance

Getting a victory in the league phase of the Champions League is always a big positive given how tough the competition is.

Tottenham Hotspur secured their second win in the tournament tonight after putting four past Copenhagen, and that has taken them into seventh place at least for now.

The cherry on the cake, however, is the manner in which Spurs have gone on to secure all three points, with Frank’s side putting in a positive and creative performance.

Frank’s side has often been labelled as pragmatic, a question he had to answer in his pre-match press conference, but tonight’s display is as positive as it gets for Tottenham.

Four in a single game is the most Spurs have scored in a single match under the Dane this season, and they managed that with ten men.

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The next step, however, is about being consistent and building on this performance. Manchester United are next at the weekend, and if Spurs can replicate a similar display, then it would be a step in the right direction.

Xavi Simons looked really sharp

Simons has come under fire in recent weeks since his move to Tottenham, with the midfielder often failing to impress in games for Spurs this season.

Coming into this tie, he had managed just one assist in 12 appearances, which is far from ideal for a player who is meant to shoulder most of the creative burden.

Today, however, Simons put on his best performance in a Tottenham shirt, grabbing the assist for Spurs’ opener with a nice through ball to Johnson.

He could also have gotten a couple of others had Randal Kolo Muani tucked away the two other big chances he created. It was indeed a positive, sharp display that should do the Dutchman’s confidence a lot of good.

Micky van de Ven recreates Sonny’s Ballon d’Or goal

Micky van de Ven has been in and among the goals for Tottenham this season, with the Dutchman scoring five in as many games.

While he has been scoring from corners, the Dutchman decided to up the ante today, and his strike was the pick of the bunch.

It was a solo effort reminiscent of Son’s goal against Burnley, which saw him win the Puskas Award.

Van de Ven ran from his defence, beating the entire Copenhagen team before slotting in coolly to make it three for Spurs.

Tottenham should definitely be looking to tie the defender down to a new contract, given his performances this season.

A nearly performance from Randal Kolo Muani

Kolo Muani was Frank’s choice up top this evening, and the centre-forward, who is only just getting up to speed, looked good, but it is clear he is not quite there yet.

He had two good opportunities to grab a goal of his own, but his headed effort failed to hit the target, while another great chance in the box went wide.

He picked up an assist for Odobert’s goal, and his pressing from the front was impressive. His link-up and hold-up play were also sharp, which is encouraging.

You get the feeling that when he has some sharpness and confidence, the goals will follow. Positive early signs, though.

Destiny Udogie provides much-needed natural width for Spurs

Today also saw Udogie get a start from the off, having missed the last few games because of injury.

The full-back looked really good from the left as he provided natural width for Tottenham when they looked to attack.

A left-footed full-back on the left surely offers greater balance, and that is what Udogie brings to this Tottenham team, something that has been lacking when Spurs use Djed Spence.

Most of Tottenham’s wingers love to take up inverted roles, and if that is the case, having a left-footed full-back who can play crosses in first time is a great asset.

His return could see Spence’s minutes reduce as competition for that spot is set to increase, but he is a great addition to this Tottenham side that often struggles for creativity.

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Tottenham player ratings from 4-0 win over FC Copenhagen as midfield star drops exciting 8.5/10

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The full-time whistle has blown between Tottenham Hotspur and FC Copenhagen in the Champions League, and the player ratings are in.

Tottenham full-time player ratings vs Copenhagen

Guglielmo Vicario – A very quiet first half from the Tottenham number one, before he went down with some kind of pain early in the second 45. This is the second time in as many games that Vicario has struggled with what seems to be a lingering injury, although he has played on both times. No real saves to make, but a good range of passing and two confident claims from corners. 6.

Pedro Porro – A solid defensive performance, both when Tottenham had 11 and when they went down to 10. His long-range passing out to the left was also a real feature of the first half for Spurs. You can tell he loves playing alongside the combative and positive Romero – they complement each other so well. 7.5.

Cristian Romero – Keen not to let Micky have all the fun, Romero went on a roaming run of his own to set up Tottenham’s fourth goal. The Argentine is by far Tottenham’s most front-footed defender on the ball, always looking to make line-breaking passes. Spurs have missed that dearly in recent weeks. 8.

Micky Van de Ven – Wow. Just wow. Micky Van de Ven had a quiet first half, then Tottenham went down to 10 in the second. It seemed destined for a nervy, backs-to-the-wall final half-hour. Up step the Flying Dutchman who recreated Heung-min Son’s Ballon d’Or-winning goal against Burnley with a gut-busting run all the way from his own box to the back of the net. 8.5.

Destiny Udogie – Looked so dangerous at left-back with his overlapping runs. If he had a little more match sharpness, he probably would have grabbed an assist or two in the first 45. With Tottenham having no real touchline left-wingers, his natural width could give him the edge over Spence. 8.

Rodrigo Bentancur – The perfect example of why Tottenham only need one sitting pivot in certain games. Spurs had so much of the ball, Bentancur was more than enough of a midfield presence to keep things ticking over, serving as the connection between defence and attack. 7.5.

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Pape Sarr – Sat in alongside Bentancur off the ball, then burst into attack when Spurs turned over possession. Added an extra body in defence and an extra dimension in attack. It may not be his best position on the pitch, but he is a master of driving with the ball at his feet and gaining vital yards. 7.5.

Xavi Simons – A potential coming-of-age performance for Xavi Simons in midfield as we finally saw some of his famous creativity. Not only did he assist the first goal, but he laid two more sitters on for Kolo Muani in the first 45 alone. Looked far more comfortable in a free-roaming role tonight. Would have been given longer than 60 minutes on the pitch had it not been for the red card. 8.5.

Brennan Johnson – Opened the scoring for Tottenham by latching onto a ball over the top from Xavi Simons before touching it around the keeper and finishing into an empty net from a tight angle. Always looks at his best when he’s stretching the defence in behind like that, rather than coming to feet. It’s just a shame he saw red shortly after the second goal for a silly challenge from behind. We won’t mark him down too harshly since going down to ten men only seemed to improve Spurs. 7.

Randal Kolo Muani – It could and should have been a real confidence-building night for Kolo Muani in front of goal. Unfortunately, he managed to guide one great opportunity in the box wide, then head over the bar from an absolute sitter. Did extremely well to close the keeper down early in the second half before laying on an assist for Odobert, although you get the sense he lacked the confidence to volley in first-time into the empty net. Some nice stuff on the ball and worked hard for his teammates, but will need more of a killer instinct once he gets up to speed in order to keep his spot. 7.

Wilson Odobert – The first 45 was a half of wasted opportunities for Wilson Odobert, but it didn’t take him long to leave his mark in the second. The Frenchman was calmness personified when Kolo Muani rolled the ball back for him to tuck home into the far corner. Looked so much sharper in the second half on the break, ironically, when Spurs were down to 10 men. Was a crucial part of creating the fourth goal for Joao Palhinha. 7.5.

Substitutes:

Joao Palhinha – Came on shortly after the red card to keep things solid, with Tottenham down to ten. Jamie Carragher may say that Palhinha can’t pass forward, but the Spurs star can find the back of the net, grabbing Tottenham’s fourth goal on the break after a superb pass from Romero. 7.5.

Djed Spence – Gave Udogie a rest after 72 minutes. N/A.

Richarlison – Came on for Kolo Muani for the final 20 mins. Crashed a late header against the bar, then an even later penalty kick against the same bar. Not his most lethal cameo. N/A.

Kevin Danso – Came on for Romero with 20 minutes to go. N/A.

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Tottenham half-time player ratings vs FC Copenhagen as returning star earns 8/10

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The half-time whistle has blown between Tottenham Hotspur and FC Copenhagen in the Champions League, and the player ratings are in.

Tottenham half-time player ratings vs Copenhagen

Guglielmo Vicario – Wasn’t really called into action to make a save, but sprayed some nice long-range passes with his feet at times, especially out wide left to Udogie and Odobert. Confident claim from a corner just as Copenhagen were building up some steam. 6.

Pedro Porro – Kept his winger quiet on the right side of defence and displayed some nice long passes over the top to set Udogie away. 6.

Cristian Romero – Tottenham rely so heavily on their captain to keep things ticking over in the build-up. You can see Romero’s brain constantly working, desperately trying to find a positive and line-breaking pass out from the back. Spurs missed that in recent weeks. 7.

Micky Van de Ven – A quiet half from Van de Ven. Not much for him to do beyond recycling the ball across the back line. Fortunately, he always had a wide out-ball to Udogie to look for. 6.

Destiny Udogie – By no means a dig at Djed Spence, but Udogie offers a much more natural source of width on the left flank, especially when Tottenham lack a touchline left-winger. He got in behind down that side all half long. If anything, he could have been a bit more proactive with his final ball. 8.

Rodrigo Bentancur – Kept things ticking over nicely for Spurs. It was Bentancur who turned and found Xavi in the build-up to the first goal. In games like these, you suspect Bentancur and Palhinha may have just gotten in each other’s way doing the same type of job. 7.

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Pape Sarr – Started in a deeper pivot role alongside Bentancur, while pushing ahead when Tottenham were in possession. Arguably, a much more sensible solution for a game in which Spurs were always going to have a lot of the ball. 7.

Xavi Simons – Took up a much more fluid role in midfield, starting as a number ten but given the license to roam out wide. Much more active in the build-up play from the first minute and showcased his creativity with a lovely assist over the top for Johnson. Worked some absolute magic with Odobert on the edge of the box to set up Kolo Muani, only for the Frenchman to miss. Five minutes later, he put an even bigger sitter on a plate for Muani to head over. 8.

Brennan Johnson – Opened the scoring after he was sent in behind by Xavi, knocking it around the advancing keeper before rolling it into an empty net from a tight angle. 7.5.

Randal Kolo Muani – A few touches in and around the box that a sharper player will eventually expect to turn into some danger for the opposition, though. It took him 40 minutes into the game to have his first guilt-edge chance in a Spurs shirt as Xavi rolled him a square ball in the box, but he placed it just wide. Five minutes later, he headed an absolute sitter over the bar. Picked up a yellow late in the half. 5.

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Tottenham Hotspur vs Copenhagen confirmed Champions League team line-up

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Thomas Frank has confirmed his Tottenham Hotspur team and substitutes for this evening’s Champions League clash against Copenhagen at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (7.45 pm GMT).

Tottenham come back into the game on the back of an abysmal 1-0 defeat to bitter rivals Chelsea in the Premier League at the weekend.

Copenhagen are winless in their opening three Champions League matches, while Tottenham have scraped a point apiece against Bodo/Glimt and Monaco in their last two outings.

Spurs fans will be expecting their side to put in a much better performance against their Danish opponents, having seen their side struggle to threaten in the attacking third for the majority of the season.

Tottenham’s team vs Copenhagen team news

Lucas Bergvall was forced off with a concussion early on in the defeat against Chelsea and misses tonight’s match.

Ben Davies (thigh), Archie Gray (calf), Dominic Solanke (foot) also remain sidelined, along with long-term absentees Dejan Kulusevski, Kota Takai and James Maddison.

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Mohammed Kudus and Djed Spence both missed training on Friday, having picked up knocks in the loss to Chelsea.

This is the Spurs team which takes to the field under the lights in N17 this evening:

Starting XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Sarr; Odobert, Simons, Johnson; Kolo Muani.

Bench: Kinsky, Austin, Danso, Palhinha, Richarlison, Spence, Scarlett, Kyerematen, Akhamrich, Rowswell.

Home form must improve for Spurs after a poor start

Tottenham’s home form has been abysmal this season, with only victories against Burnley, Villarreal and Doncaster to their name.

Tottenham vs Copenhagen is scheduled for an 8 pm GMT kick-off, and the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 7.45 pm GMT.

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Manchester United ready £44m bid to blow Tottenham out of race for 20-year-old striker

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Manchester United are preparing to ruin Tottenham’s transfer plans by submitting a big £44m offer for a 20-year-old striker.

Spurs clearly have an issue up front, and while that may be temporarily solved by the return of Dominic Solanke from injury, it has been reported that Tottenham are scouring the market for a number nine.

One of the names on their wishlist is a young Brazilian starlet who has rediscovered his mojo since the start of the year.

According to reports, Tottenham are ready to make a move for Palmeiras striker Vitor Roque, who has smashed 17 goals in 46 matches this term.

The Lilywhites’ interest in the 20-year-old is not new, with Spurs tracking Roque since the start of 2024, but they are now at risk of being beaten to his signing by a rival.

Man United are ready to make an offer for Tottenham target Vitor Roque

Fichajes have now claimed that Roque’s impressive displays for Palmeiras have caught the eye of the Old Trafford hierarchy.

Man United are said to be keen on adding more firepower to their frontline, and they have set their sights on the Brazilian international ahead of January.

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The report states that Ruben Amorim’s men see the 20-year-old as someone who could revitalise their attack, and they are ready to land a defining blow.

It is alleged that the Red Devils are ready to make an offer of €50m (£44m) for the rumoured Tottenham Hotspur target when the transfer window reopens in January.

What is Roque’s and Palmeiras’ stance?

Fichajes explain that Roque’s representatives would ideally want him to ‘undergo a period of consolidation’ at Palmeiras before taking the next step to Europe.

However, the youngster’s entourage are now ruling out a January transfer and are ready to hold negotiations if a suitable offer arrives.

The outlet adds that Palmeiras remain adamant that they will not sell Roque for a cut-price fee, with the Brazilian club believing that the forward is one of the best young talents in the game right now.

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Tottenham receive bittersweet news on bargain £13m Dusan Vlahovic deal after transfer twist

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Tottenham Hotspur have just learned whether Dusan Vlahovic will leave Juventus in January and how difficult any potential race for his signature will be.

Spurs are thought to be one of several clubs eyeing a move for a Juventus centre-forward, who is allegedly looking for an exit route from the Allianz Stadium.

In fact, over the last two weeks, Spurs Web has relayed multiple reports stating that Tottenham are Vlahovic’s most likely destination in January.

It has been suggested that Fabio Paratici’s connections at Juventus could give Spurs an advantage in the £13m race for the Serbian, and there has now been a big development over his future.

Tottenham target Dusan Vlahovic makes Juventus contract decision

A new report in Fichajes has now claimed that the rumoured Spurs target has now made up his mind not to sign a new deal in Turin.

Vlahovic’s current contract runs out next summer, and Juve have been working very hard over recent months to tie the 25-year-old.

However, the talks have now hit a complete impasse, and there is a sense of resignation at the Bianconeri about the centre-forward’s future.

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Vlahovic has made it clear that he is looking for a new challenge, with sources close to Juve considering his departure to be ‘inevitable’.

Two La Liga clubs are ready to challenge Spurs for Vlahovic

Fichajes say this latest development over the striker’s contract has ‘set off alarm bells’ at both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, who are both fans of the player.

In fact, the outlet asserts that Barca are the front-runners to land Vlahovic, with the club seeing the former Fiorentina man as the successor to Robert Lewandowski.

Interestingly, though, it is suggested that the Catalan giants will look to sign the Serbian international on a free transfer next summer rather than paying a fee for him in January.

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Tottenham receive clear hands-off message about bidding £30m for six-goal Premier League striker

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A Premier League manager has reacted to the speculation linking his star striker with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in January.

The number nine area has been a major problem for Thomas Frank so far this season, with Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani dealing with injury problems.

Neither Mathys Tel nor Richarlison have made the position their own, and that is perhaps why it has been reported that Spurs are keen to add a centre-forward to their squad in January.

It emerged a couple of days ago that Tottenham are eyeing a £30m move for a Brentford star, who has started the season brilliantly, and the club’s manager has now responded to the speculation.

Keith Andrews says Tottenham target Igor Thiago is not for sale

The striker in question is Igor Thiago, who has been one of the standout strikers across the Premier League so far this season.

The Brazilian has found the back of the net six times in nine league outings, and Brentford boss Kieth Andrews is now insistent that the 24-year-old is going nowhere in January.

When asked about the speculation over Thiago’s future, the Bees boss said (Mirror): “I’ve said over the past few weeks, I was really happy when the last transfer window closed.

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“We’re not even in November, so I’m not going to talk about a transfer window that is two months away, which will inevitably come closer to the time.

“Thiago is going absolutely nowhere, absolutely nowhere, he’s a pivotal part of this football club, he doesn’t want to go anywhere, that won’t be happening.”

Spurs are eyeing two European strikers

It is not just forwards in the Premier League that Tottenham are looking at, with the Lilywhites also said to be among the front-runners for two strikers who ply their trade on the continent.

Several sources have named Tottenham as Dusan Vlahovic’s most likely destination in January as the striker looks for an exit route from Juventus.

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Tottenham’s pursuit of Brazilian wonderkid gets more difficult after £60m twist

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Another Premier League club have now expressed an intention to challenge Tottenham Hotspur for Brazilian starlet Rayan Vitor in January.

Spurs Web has relayed several reports over the last month claiming that Tottenham have been scouting Rayan closely ahead of the January window.

In fact, several sources have claimed that Spurs have made a serious overture towards the Vasco Da Gama starlet, but the Lilywhites may struggle to get a deal for the forward done.

This is because Vasco are working on tying the Tottenham target down to a new contract, and the competition for his services is growing.

Man United ready to challenge Tottenham for Rayan Vitor

According to a report from Bolavip, Man United have now become the latest Premier League club to enter the race for the 19-year-old forward.

The report says that the Red Devils are now following Rayan’s progress closely and are considering making a move for the teenager in January.

The outlets suggest that Vasco are continuing to work on tying the wide-forward to a new contract, and the Brazilian club are hoping to set his new release clause at £60m.

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What is Rayan thinking about his future?

Interestingly, this latest update suggests that despite Vasco’s best efforts to tie him down, the Brazilian may find an opportunity to move to the Premier League to be very tempting.

The report backs up what we have heard from other sources over recent days by stating that both Spurs and Arsenal remain very keen on signing Rayan.

Additionally, it is asserted that Newcastle United are also circling over the Vasco starlet, but all these clubs are warned that they have to pay a ‘premium’ if they wish to sign the youngster in January.

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Jamie Carragher changes his tune on Joao Palhinha despite lauding the Tottenham star last week

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Jamie Carragher has said that there is a reason why no big club went for Joao Palhinha apart from Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

The 30-year-old has delivered what was expected of him since his loan move from Bayern Munich in the summer.

Palhinha has been posting excellent numbers on ball recoveries, tackles and interceptions this season, and his addition has undoubtedly made Spurs much more solid defensively.

However, many have pointed out that Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur rarely pass the ball forward, which is seen as the main reason why the Lilywhites are struggling to create chances with regularity.

Jamie Carragher points to interesting Joao Palhinha stats for Tottenham

The midfielders across the Premier League were plotted on a graph for tackles and line-breaking passes on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.

Carragher pointed out that while Palhinha is comfortably outperforming almost every other midfielder for tackles, neither he nor Bentancur are making too many passes through the lines.

The Liverpool legend suggested the Portuguese international’s shortcomings in possession are why no other big club wanted him this summer, and Bayern Munich hardly played him last season.

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Carragher said: “One of his [Thomas Frank’s] first signings is Palhinha. He is not capable, I don’t think, of doing this [breaking the lines with his passes]. There was a reason why teams from the Premier League didn’t buy him from Fulham. There was a reason Bayern Munich bought him and didn’t play him. So, that would be a worry.

“For Thomas Frank going forward, when you think of pragmatic managers in the past who have made the jump up from a smaller club to a bigger club, that has always been the problem, in terms of can they coach the rotations, the build-up play, to break the lines?”

Just one week ago, Carragher said Palhinha was Tottenham’s best signing of the summer. While he acknowledged his lack of playmaking skills, he called the midfielder ‘exactly what Spurs needed’.

Carragher wrote in The Telegraph: “The best signing under Frank so far is Joao Palhinha, a highly effective ball-winner more so than a playmaker.

“In the early stages of his Spurs career, Palhinha is exactly what Frank and his new club need, and it could bring instant success.

“Going forward, there will have to be an evolution, as the pairing of Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur is perceived by supporters to be over-cautious in home games.”

Can Spurs get away with a Palhinha-Bentancur midfield partnership?

Over recent weeks, many Spurs fans have been frustrated with Frank’s tendency to start Benancur and Palhinha together as they want to see Pape Sarr getting the nod over one of the two.

Frank has been adamant that he is happy with Tottenham’s midfield balance, and there is no doubt that the double-pivot he is using has made the Lilywhites hard to break down.

However, the only way to play the two experienced midfielders in a double-pivot is if you have a front four, which is extremely creative.

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